Oklahoma ended the 2008 campaign with a 14-5 overall record and a 39th place finish at the NCAA's in St. Louis, Mo.
"Although we didn't have a lot of celebrate in terms of how we finished the season, this was still a great night," head coach Jack Spates said. "We celebrated this evening these kids' spirits, dreams and hard work."
Senior Joshua Weitzel was honored with the most outstanding wrestler award, ending the season with a 26-5 record at 184 pounds. The Lincoln University, Pa., native ended his Sooner career as a three-time NCAA qualifier and a two-time Big 12 All-Academic team honoree.
The Jimmy White award, given to a select wrestler on the basis of athletic ability, team contribution, individual achievement and team spirit went to redshirt freshman Zack Bailey. The Kansas City, Mo., native ended the 2008 season with a 28 victories at 141 pounds, a team high.
Joey Fio was awarded the outstanding freshman award after advancing to the NCAA Championships in his first year as a Sooner at 125 pounds. Fio's season highlight included a victory over reigning national champion Paul Danohoe of Nebraska. He ended his opening season in Norman with a 20-10 record.
Jeff James from El Reno, Okla., was then handed the most improved wrestler honor. James, wrestling at 174 pounds, won his first 11 matches on the year and garnered an 18-7 overall record before a season-ending injury versus Cal Poly on Feb. 15.
Senior Max Dean, a three-time NCAA qualifier, ended the night by receiving the outstanding scholar athlete award. The three-time Academic All-American from Cincinnati, Ohio, ended the year with a 19-11 record at 165 pounds.
The Sooner coaching staff also recognized the 2008 lettermen, as well as departing seniors in Weitzel, Dean, Brad Farmer, Blake Allen and two-time All-American Joel Flaggert.
2008 Awards:
Outstanding Wrestler of the Year: Joshua Weitzel
Jimmy White Award: Zack Bailey
Outstanding Freshman: Joey Fio
Most Improved: Jeff James
Outstanding Scholar Athlete: Max Dean
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